German here, everyone I know uses Whatsapp, Signal or Telegram.

Whatsapp and Signal can only use phone numbers, though? And Telegram requires a phone number (though you can also have a username).

Telegram needs a phone number register but then you can text people only by username. Both Signal and WhatsApp have announced usernames, Signal already has a beta version of the app with username support out.

They announced a long time ago.

Unless it's an actual feature, you are tied to a phone number.

All the examples require your phone number.

They (Signal) made this[0] blog post last week with APK downloads for testing it in the staging environment (completely without phone number). So if you want to test it, you can already do that right now.

I think it will hit production in early 2024, pretty soon. Whatsapp is also going forward with a similar feature as a reaction to the Signal updates [1], although not entirely sure if it will work with no phone number at all.

[0]: https://community.signalusers.org/t/public-username-testing-... [1]: https://www.androidpolice.com/whatsapp-usernames-channels/

Interesting, I didn't know that. The real question is, if someone adds me by username, will they still be able to see my phone number after that?

I don't think so, unless you allow them to (like in telegram). Should be available in Signal in early 2024.

and you only need 3 separate apps to communicate with people. what a mess.

So you’d rather use iMessage where you can only communicate with iPhone users.

Or do you want the open, subpar protocol instead?